Discover solace, strength
An infrequently reported aspect of the coronavirus assault on our society is the restriction on churches to assemble for worship. People of faith obey these restrictions limiting social contacts as one necessary element in minimizing the spread of this horrendous disease.
Nevertheless, this constraint on worship represents more than a slight inconvenience. Gathering with fellow believers to hear God's Word, sing, pray and join in fellowship feeds the soul, bolsters faith, relieves fear and anxiety, generates courage and contributes to hope.
Being reminded of God's perpetual care is an invaluable source of strength, sustaining believers in this frightening, uncharted period.
The imminence of Holy Week, highlighted by Easter Sunday, normally is cause for Christian excitement, spiritual fervor and joyous worship. During this past Easter season, the spreading COVID-19 restrictions, illnesses and deaths, understandably fostered sentiments of uncertainty and fear among people. While Christians are restricted from assembling for worship, let us remember historical events which testify to the value and power of our faith.
Prior to that first Easter morning, when Mary Magdalene and other women journeyed to the tomb (Matthew 28), Jesus' followers felt wary, hopeless and fearful about their future. However, after meeting their Risen Lord, they went forth declaring the incredible message that Jesus Christ was alive.
He had defeated sin and overcome death, and welcomed people to entrust their lives to His eternal care. Those first witnesses to Christ's Resurrection were transformed into “Resurrection People!”
Every day became a celebration of the Easter event. They went into the world proclaiming Jesus' Gospel, helping others, and trusting their very lives to God.
Christians in Butler County may be disappointed, frustrated, possibly irritated by the temporary restrictions on our worship practices. Discover solace and strength in being “Resurrection People.”
Like Jesus Christ, your resurrection is certain. Our temporary troubles are merely a slight obstacle to Christ's glory shining through you. Strive to demonstrate Christ's love and hope in this difficult period.
Find peace in the power of the Resurrected Christ in you (Philippians 3:10). Continue to worship alone or with your family.
Help in doing good to others in a socially responsible, safe manner.
Pray for wisdom for our community and national leaders, the protection of care providers and medical personnel and for those afflicted with this horrible virus, and for God's grace to touch everyone.
Finally, find assurance in the Apostle Paul's words, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17
The Rev. Dr. Larry Maley is the interim pastor at Prospect and Mt. Hope Presbyterian Churches.
